Tool and method for maintaining alignment when separating and connecting multi-pin connectors

A tool for separating or connecting two portions of a multi-pin connector (MPC), wherein one of the MPC portions includes a plurality of pins protecting therefrom and the other one of the MPC portions includes a plurality of sockets positioned in locations corresponding to the pins to receive the pins therein when the MPC portions are connected, each portion further including at least one shoulder formed thereon, the tool comprising:

• a head unit having a receptacle adapted for receiving the two portions of the MPC, the head unit including a slide member extending to the receptacle and adapted to contact at least one of the two MPC portions;
• an actuator mechanism operably connected to the head unit to move the slide member and the at least one MPC portion contacted by the slide member in at least one of a direction toward or a direction away from the other MPC portion to execute one of either connecting or separating the MPC portions, respectively;
• the receptacle and the slide member contact and retain the MPC portions during movement of the MPC portions relative to one another to maintain the pins and sockets in lateral and longitudinal alignment with one another during connecting and separating to avoid bending the pins;
• the slide member and the head unit each include tabs positioned to contact the shoulders of the MPC portions;
• and
• the relative movement of the MPC portions is accomplished while the tabs contact the shoulders of the MPC portions.

A tool for separating or connecting two portions of a multi-pin connector (MPC), comprising:

• a head unit having a receptacle in which to receive the MPC portions and a moveable element adjacent the receptacle to contact the MPC portions received in said receptacle;
• a main body operably connected to said head unit;
• an actuating mechanism movably attached to said main body, said actuating mechanism connected to move said moveable element of said head unit in conjunction with movement of said actuating mechanism;
• and
• at least one handle pivotably connected to said main body and adapted to be moved by squeezing said handle toward said main body, said handle operably connected to said actuating mechanism to move said actuating mechanism and said moveable element upon squeezing to one of either separate or connect the MPC portions.